Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Comparing two types of advance directive forms for ease of use

Official title: Comparing the Stanford Letter Project Form to Traditional Advance Directives

Run by Stanford University · NCT02799537 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing which of two advance directive forms is easier to use for adults who can read and write in English or Spanish, to help them better communicate their healthcare wishes.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
SponsorStanford University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stanford, California)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 2016
Main results expectedAugust 2026
Study endsDecember 2026
Registry record updatedApril 8, 2024
Trial IDNCT02799537 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who can read and write in English or Spanish.

Probably not a fit

Patients under 18 years old will not benefit from this study as they are excluded from participation.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the usability of two advance directive forms: the Stanford Letter Project Form and traditional advance directives, available in both English and Spanish. Adult participants who can read and write in these languages will be randomly assigned to one of the two forms and will provide feedback on their preferences and understanding. The study will collect data until a total of 1,000 participants is reached, after which the results will be analyzed and published. The focus is on improving advance care planning and ensuring that patients can effectively communicate their healthcare preferences.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the process of advance care planning, making it easier for patients to express their healthcare wishes.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored advance directives, but this specific comparison of usability between two formats is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Over 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under 18

Where it's running

  • Stanford School of Medicine
    Stanford, California, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.